The Disruptive Difference
Jesus’ presence was disruptive because he was unlike any other religious teacher. His presence required new schedules, new habits, new guests, and even new menus.… Read More The Disruptive Difference
The Scandal: Jesus welcomes sinners.
My father had a close friend who cheated on his wife, divorced her, and then married his lover. I’m going to refer to this friend as Alex. I was in college at the time. I remember riding down our red-dirt road with my dad shortly after this happened, still reeling from the shock. My dad… Read More The Scandal: Jesus welcomes sinners.
Authority Forgives
Mark wants to convince his readers that Jesus has authority on earth like God does in heaven. Since I carry this baggage with authority, what do I do with Jesus when he claims to have authority? I hold him to the same query as I would other authorities in my life. I question if his authority is legitimate, and I examine how he uses it. Jesus claims that his healing power legitimizes his authority, and he uses his heavenly authority not for personal advantage, but to forgive and to bring wholeness to a broken man. This is a good test for those who claim spiritual authority. Do they forgive others?… Read More Authority Forgives
The Consequences of Compassion
Ironically in freeing a leper from the isolation of his situation, Jesus’ own freedom to move about is taken away from him. But, this is what we will come to expect from Jesus. He is willing to make our troubles his own.… Read More The Consequences of Compassion
Sticky Memory
This story is the first time Mark lets us see that not all who seek Jesus are his true followers. Many people follow Jesus for what they can get from him: a show, a miracle, a meal or access to power. We feel this tension even within his closest friends.… Read More Sticky Memory
The Happy Surprise 